Thursday, March 31, 2011

1. Reviewed Yggdrasil, "The Creation Myth" and "First Humans"
2. We took the quiz and then corrected it. If you missed class, please plan on using a lunch period to take the quiz as it involves answering questions in relationship to some images.
3. We then continued with obtaining information about the Norse gods and unusual characters associated with them.

Homework:
1. Please research the Norse God attached to your desk, and develop a handout detailing information about your god. The explanation for the assignment is the blue sheet located in your packet. The handout is due on MONDAY along with your two sources. You must use a book source and the Internet.

B1
MADISON: Njord
HALEY: Loki

B2
KENDRA: Idun or Idunna

B4
No one missed class

2. Please read the "Pantheon" located on pages xxv-xxxii) in your book.
3. Plan on a quiz covering the Norse Pantheon on Wed. next week (April 6th)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! If you missed class on Friday, we completed the following:

1. We took the quiz covering "the creation" and then corrected it!
2. We then proceeded to complete all the sections associated with Yggdrasil. We started on this last time in class. Please start reviewing Yggdrasil, as you will have a quiz over the World Ash Tree on Thrusday.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Dear Mythology Kids,
Please review my last post, as it discusses aspects that we reviewed today regarding Yggdrasil. If you missed class, we completed the following:

. Journal #11 "Review Quiz for Introductory Information about Norse Mythology"
1. Why are the Norse myths so morose?
2. Why is Snori Stulluson so important to you as a student studying mythology?
3. What does the term Edda mean?
4. Why are there allusions to Greek Mythology and Christianity within Norse Mythology?
5. Explain why a Viking is a Norseman, but not all Norsemen are Vikings?
6. How do we know that the Vikings reached the Black Sea? Please include an example form our class discussion and one from your textbook.
7. Identify one interesting aspect that you annotated for your homework assignment for today.
8. " "
9. " "
10. " "

We then proceeded to complete the Norse Creation myth and we moved on to Yggdrasil.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Introduction to Norse Mythology

Dear Mythology Students,

Norse Mythology are the stories of the Scandanavian people. The Norse were extremely skilled at sea faring; consequently, they were exposed to different cultures. The Norse came upon the Romans, who in turn, hired them as mercenaries. The Roman culture was extremely advanced; consequently, the Norseman adopted some of their belief system into their own culture. This is why when we start to read the myths you will note some strong similarities to Greek Mythology. Remember that the Romans stole their religion from the Greeks. Another important point that you need to know involves the conversion of the Romans to Christianity. The Norseman continued to be influenced by the Roman culture, and therefore they also adopted Christian influences into their mythology, as well.

Everyone of you should have a new textbook, and a "packet" of handouts that will be used during the next two weeks. Your homework assignments for WED. include the following:

Norse Mythology is difficult to fully explain in this forum, but I will do my best.......In the beginning, no formed matter exists. This enormous chasm of unorganized matter is called GUNNUNGAGAP! To the north of Gunnungagap is an immense area of frozen ice. This area is called NIFLHEIM.

To the south of Gunnungagap is an immense region of heat called MUSPELHEIM. Nothing exists but these two regions.
Suddenly these two regions begin to move closer together. The heat from Muspelheim causes the ice from Niflheim to melt and droplets of water land in Gunnungagap. Some how and I don't know exactly how this happens, and neither did the Nordic people, so you just have to accept it, two important beings are created at the same time......an enormous man called Ymir, who is also called a "frost giant" and a cow whose name is Adumla. I know, it's a little unusual.

Ymir begins to suck on the teats of Audumla, so she is nourishing this evil frost giant, and then he begins to "give birth" to other frost giants. As he is sucking on the teats of the cow, Ymir begins to sweat and his sweat morphs into other giants. In the mean time, Audumla begins to lick some of the ice from Niflheim that did not melt when Muspelheim moved close to it. Every place her saliva touches a human form is created. You can see this depicted in the image above. The individual that is created from the saliva is known as BURI. He is entirely positive. He, in turn, gives birth to two individuals; their names are BOR and BESTLA. Bor is a male and Bestla is a famale. These two have three children whose names are Odin, Vili, and Ve. Odin becomes the king of the Norse Gods because he is recognized as the "first born."

Odin, Vili, and Ve recognize that Ymir is "birthing" evil frost giants, so they feel compelled to destory him. Upon his murder they take his body and use it to create the world of humans, giants, and dwarfs known as Midgard.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, we completed the following:
1. Everyone was introduced to the "Bacchus Bash" which will take place on Tuesday, March 29. Everyone received the explanation for their "Birthday Card" assignment and a food assignment for the Bash. Please visit
with me if you missed class so that I can show you previous examples.

2. Each student received a copy of the question for their "take-home" quiz which is due on Monday.

3. Each student received a copy of the "Final Analysis" for Greek Mythology. Please visit with me upon your return so that I can give you a copy of this.

4. We then proceeded to take PART 2 of THE ODYSSEY quiz. When you return, you will need to visit with me about this.

URGENT! PLEASE REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR MYTHOLOGY TEXT WITH YOU ON MONDAY, as we will begin NORSE MYTHOLOGY on MONDAY, and you will return your MYTHOLOGY BOOK for your NORSE TEXT!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

If you missed class, we completed the following:
1. We reviewed the motifs located at the back of your storyboard. If you missed class, please complete the motif sheet by yourself. I would suggest visiting with a friend from Mythology to assist you.
2. We completed the storyboard and viewed a clip from The Odyssey.
3. We read two section from The Odyssey in class.

HOMEWORK:

1. STUDY FOR YOUR ODYSSEY QUIZ! There are two sections to your quiz. The first involves the six questions below. The second involves answering questions regarding actual text from the epic. If you have read your book and the sections concerning annotating, you will do well.
2. Please read and annotate the section of text that I gave you today (BLACK and one other color of your choice/ 7-10/page).

Your QUIZ covering The Odyssey will take place on Thursday, March 17th. I am actually considering giving it to you as a take home quiz, but I haven't come to a definite conclusion on that idea yet. We'll see......Anyway, I have posted the 6 questions for your quiz below. Remember that you will "blindly" CHOOSE ONE for your quiz. You may use your book, storyboard, and annotated pieces of text. The questions are essay in nature, and you MUST SUPPORT your ideas with examples from the The Odyssey. HINT: I would thoroughly consider each question making notes on each one. Those notes may be submitted for extra-credit points for your quiz.
#1. Trace Homer's thematic approach to "appearance vs. reality" in The Odyssey. Discuss the importance of this theme to events within the epic. Include three examples from your book and/or annotated texts to support your response.

#2. Discuss the literary element of Dramatic Irony found in The Odyssey. Remember that Dramatic Irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the character(s) within the text do not. Identify three examples of Dramatic Irony within the epic poem. An explanation as to why irony heightens the reader's interest in The Odyssey is compulsory.

#3. Discuss the thematic approach concerning "identity" in The Odyssey. An explanation regarding the positive and negative effects of maintaining anonymity in contrast to identifying oneself must be part of your response. Identify three examples from your textbook I or annotated texts to support your points.

#4. Discuss the characters of Penelope and Telemachus in association with being "worthy partner" for Odysseus. Support your response with three textual examples.

#5. The concept regarding "power of cunning over strength" is a valid theme in The Odyssey. Discuss this thematic view, and the role it plays in the epic poem. Support your points with three textual examples.

#6. The customs involving "guest and host" were highly venerated in ancient Greek culture. Homer clearly valued these customs, and he recognized the role of the gods if these customs were not followed. Support Homer's view by explaining and indicating three examples from your textbook and/or your annotated sources.
I look forward to seeing you on THURSDAY.
Cheers,
Crampton

Monday, March 14, 2011

I hope you are enjoying your "Snow Day!" I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. If you missed class on Thursday, we completed the following:

1. Journal #10: "Introduction to The Odyssey"
Students were asked to identify 7-10 aspects from their reading assignment entitled "Introduction to The Odyssey" that they found fascinating.

2. We then continued with The Odyssey storyboard;we will complete it on Tuesday.

3. We also viewed a section from the film The Odyssey pertaining to Lacoon and the Trojan Horse.

HOMEWORK:

1. Please read pages 203-210 in your textbook starting with "Paris was no great loss......"
2. Please read page 2210-229 in your textbook.
3. Please read, annotate/notate (7-10 only BLACK and then another color of your choosing) the texts that were given to you last class period. If you missed class, then I would ask a friend if you can make a copy of their information.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Journey of Odysseus....

Dear Mythology Kids,

Welcome to The Odyssey, by Homer. We started this amazing piece of literature on Tuesday., March 8th We will read some of the text in class, but I will also ask that you read part of it at home. I gave each student a "storyboard," which is an effective way of "breaking" the epic "a part" so that you can understand it better when you actually read it. If you did miss class on Tuesday, please make sure that you obtain this information from someone that was present.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

How are you doing? Hang in there, cute kids, as you only have three months until you move on to other amazing opportunities. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.

WHAT DID I MISS? Well, let me tell you.....

1. I explained a new assignment to you.. In essence, I am asking that you consider the characters within the Iliad, and write a monologue for one character. Please see the assignment explanation below. Sorry, guys, the document is not loading on the blog. I will do my best to correct this. In the mean time, please stop by my room and collect a hard copy of the assignment. THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 8TH!

2. We then had a journal entry where you watched a clip from TROY, and identified the inaccuracies. This was journal #8 for you.

3. We then proceeded to review for the "quest" by completing a "time-line" of events within the epic.

4. We finished class by reading the interaction between Achilles and Priam.

HOMEWORK:

1. Prepare for your "Iliad Quest," which will take place on Friday., March 4th. There are four sections to the "Quest:"

2. "Iliad Quest" will take place on Friday., March 4th. There are 66 questions on your assessment.

Part 1 (1-31): Quotes from your presentations and from The Iliad in your textbook (pgs. 185-200)

Part 2: (32-35) Movie clips from the film Helen of Troy

Part 3: (36-40) Images associated with significant events within the epic

Part 4: (41-66) Events within The Iliad and The Odyssey

3. Please read "Niobe"pgs. 249-250

4. Please read "Pygmalion"pgs. 112-115

NOTE: These myths relate to the characters of Artemis and Aphrodite, and will heighten your understanding of the two goddesses. Questions due appear on your "quest" from "Niobe" and "Pygmalion."

Odysseus, King of Ithaca, "inventor" of the Trojan Horse B1:1."When the moment came to stand by his sacred oath, Odysseus pretended to be mad, as it had been revealed to him in a prophecy that should he go to war, he would not return for twenty years. His duplicity was reveal when Palemedes placed Odysseus' son, Telemachus, in front of the plough. Odysseus avoided the child, proving he was of reasonable mind. He was compelled to join Menelaus' army.

2. "Once at war he proved to be a shrewd and wise general. In Greek myths the idea of the Wooden Horse, which defeated the Trojans and led to the destruction of the city, is Odysseus' idea."

B2:1. "Renowned for his eloquent and persuasive speaking, Odysseus was called upon many times to give advice. Although he fought bravely he preferred strategy to heroics."
2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."

B4:
1. same as b2
2. same as b2

AJAX, the GreaterB11. "So awe inspiring Ajax, a tower of strength for the Greeks, rose and went into battle."
2. "He spoke little and slowly, but he had a good heart and tremendous courage."B2
Presentation will take place on ThursdayB4
1."He is not wounded in any of the battles described in The Iliad, and he is the only principal character on either side who does not receive personal assistance from any of the gods who take part in the battles. "As such, he embodies the virtues of hard work and perseverance."
2. "They were soon rallied by Ajax, who, next to matchless Achilles, was the best-looking and best fighter of all the Greeks. He charged through the front of the line, fierce as a wild boar in the mountains who easily scatters the hounds and lively young huntsmen as it turns at bay in the glades. So glorious Ajax charged and easily scattered the ranks of Trojans, who had gathered round Patroclus and made up their minds that they were going to win the glory and drag his body into the city."

AJAX, the Lesser (Sorry, I couldn't find an image of him that I liked)B11. "Ajax, not the great Ajax, of course, who was dead, but a lesser chieftain of the same name--tore her from the altar and dragged her from thesanctuary."
2."Not one Greek protested against the sacrilege. Athena's wrath was deep. She to Poseidon and laid her wrongs before him. "Help me to vengeance," she said. "Give the Greeks a bitter homecoming. Stir up the waters with wild whirlwinds when they sail. Let dead men choke the bays and line the shores and reefs."B2
Presentation will occur on Thursday.B4
1."Athena herself threw a thunderbolt at Ajax's ship and sank it, but he swam ashore boasting that he had defied the anger of teh gods and escaped with is life."
2. "Yet there you are mouthing off as usual, and there is absolutely no need for it. There are many better men here than you, Ajax."

PRACTICE QUIZIDENTIFY the character from the underlined pronoun.

1. He carried his lame and aged father and led his son, Ascanius, by the hand as the battlements burned to the ground. __________________________
2. "Take my armor. I am a man dishonored. I will not fight for men who have disgraced me. " __________
3. "When the Greeks sacked the city of Troy, she was in Athena's temple clinging to her image." _________
4. "A man that cannot live nobly can die nobly.' He drew his sword and killed himself." _____________
5."Not even for Achilles sake could he stay longer away from the battle. ___________________
6."He was brave and bold, but he was most famous for his cunning tricks, not normally associated with heroes." __________________
7. "A haunting net. Death's weapon of attack! And she who hunts is she who shared his bed." ___________
8. "He would kill me unarmed, as if I were a woman. Better to join the battle with him now even if I were to die." __________________
9."She knew that she must die so that the men could battle, although deceived, she bravely went to the alter."________________
10. "The cause of all this agony and death, yet as they looked at her, they could not feel any blame." ____________
11. "He was arrogant, deceitful and incredibly hateful toward the gods, especially Athena." ______________
12. "He took the girl, from Achilles, and therefore caused the destruction of so many." ______________